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Michael Buble performs during the 22nd annual Keep Memory Alive ‘Power of Love Gala’ benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 | 2 a.m.
The Power of Love gala is more than just the biggest philanthropic event of the year in Las Vegas. It’s a star-studded example of how Vegas does events in general, a spectacle not unlike a major concert, sporting event or Strip production show. The food, drink, entertainment and atmosphere is as over-the-top and glamorous as Vegas can get, yet the mission of Keep Memory Alive is always at the forefront, never forgotten among all the Champagne and celebration.
Through the gala and other events and campaigns, Keep Memory Alive raises money and awareness for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its services for patients and family members coping with neurological and neurocognitive disorders. The clinic’s now-iconic downtown facility, designed by Frank Gehry, houses clinical space, a diagnostic center, neuroimaging rooms, physician offices, research laboratories and an event center, and provides a multidisciplinary, patient-focused approach to diagnosis and management.
“Our talented team at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center works tirelessly to give our patients and caregivers the comfort that’s necessary to deal with a heartbreaking diagnosis. Before the cure, there is a caregiver and that’s the reason we dedicate this night full of memories,” said Camille Ruvo, co-founder and vice chairman of Keep Memory Alive, in her welcome address at this year’s gala at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 28. “Everything that happens this evening allows the [center] to continue to give great health care, to continue our research, to discover new medications and become ever so close to finding our ultimate, shared endeavor—a cure.”
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22nd Keep Memory Alive 'Power of Love Gala'
On Saturday, April 28, 2018, singer, Michael Buble performed at Keep Memory Alive's 22nd annual Power of Love gala inside MGM Grand Garden Arena. The event raised funds and awareness for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its fight against brain disease including Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis and multiple system atrophy.
The success of the Power of Love gala over its 22 years has enabled the growth of KMA’s mission, which today includes treatment and research of many other neurodegenerative diseases besides Alzheimer’s, the disease Lou Ruvo was diagnosed with in the early 1990s. That diagnosis led to the founding of the Center for Brain Health by his son Larry Ruvo.
“We can now confidently call ourselves a global center for brain health because of each and all of your support,” Larry Ruvo said at the gala, ushering in a grand celebration, dinner and an exciting live auction before Power of Love headliner Michael Bublé took the stage.
Earlier in the evening, savvy gala-goers eschewed spotting celebrities like actress Marcia Gay Harden, rapper Pitbull and songwriter and producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds on the red carpet in order to enjoy a reception with ultra-premium libations and snacks prepared by a multitude of MGM Grand restaurants. DJ88 provided the soundtrack for the reception and dinner, three decadent courses including tuna tartare crafted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Moroccan-spiced beef from the kitchen of Wolfgang Puck and a fabulous rotating assortment of desserts conceived by the talented MGM pastry crew.
Guests bid on exclusive experiences during the gala’s signature live auction, adventures including a week-long stay in Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte’s 21,000-square-foot home in Hawaii, dinner with Jon Bon Jovi in the Hamptons and private tennis lessons with Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf. And Larry Ruvo presented former CEO and Executive Advisor of the Cleveland Clinic Dr. Toby Cosgrove with specially designed artwork as a gift in recognition of his support.
